More Than Four Walls: The Hidden Impact of a Parent’s Room

Returning to work after having a baby isn’t just another step—it’s a transformative shift in identity. The challenge lies in balancing the roles of parent and professional. But what happens when the workplace doesn’t rise to meet these new demands? Research shows that 1 in 4 women return to work before they feel ready, and a staggering 67% of new mothers say they didn’t feel supported during this transition.

Picture yourself as a new parent trying to balance it all—nurturing your child while managing your work responsibilities. As one mum shared, “I felt like I had to leave a part of myself behind every morning just to walk into the office.” That tug-of-war, between being fully present at home and fully engaged at work, can feel like an endless emotional drain. This is why having an inviting Parent’s Room isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

A Parent’s Room is more than a functional space; it’s a statement of how much a company truly values its people. When businesses take the time to design spaces with thoughtful details—cozy chairs, soft lighting, fridges for breastmilk, and stocked changing stations—they’re saying, We see you. We support all parts of who you are.

The results speak for themselves. According to the Harvard Business Review, companies that offer robust support for working parents see 93% higher employee satisfaction. And it’s personal. Too often, I’ve heard from mums who were forced to stop breastfeeding sooner than they wanted because the Parent’s Room at their workplace wasn’t comfortable or well-equipped. The impact was heartbreaking—not only did it affect their milk supply, but it left them facing an impossible choice: breastfeed their baby or be present in the office. No one should have to make that choice. It’s a critical, yet often overlooked issue, and one that more companies need to be aware of and address.

As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A well-designed Parent’s Room does just that—it makes parents feel valued and seen, not just as employees but as whole individuals with complex lives.

In our Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore offices, we’ve reimagined our Parent’s Rooms to reflect just that. These spaces are no longer just functional—they’ve become environments that support wellbeing, create a sense of belonging, and help our LinkedIn parents balance their roles at work and home. These enhances were brought to life by the Workplace team in close collaboration with ExpectIn. Together, we created a thoughtful, supportive environment-combining practical features like stocked changing stations with personal touches such as lactation cookies and a corkboard for children's drawings.

The Details That Make a Difference:

• Changing Stations stocked with nappies, wipes, and essentials
• Lounge Seating with pillows for extra comfort during feeding or pumping
• Soft Lighting to create a calming atmosphere
• Full length Mirror to ensure you are? ready to go after using the room
• Fridges and Freezers to store milk and baby food, plus microwaves to heat meals
• Lactation Cookies to support breastfeeding mothers
• Corkboards to display baby photos or children’s artwork—sometimes a little piece of home is just what’s needed

These spaces reflect LinkedIn’s commitment to supporting the whole person, understanding that work and family are deeply intertwined and should be embraced, not compartmentalized.

The Real Impact: Creating a Culture of Support

For working parents, having a space that goes beyond function can be game-changing. Sydney-based dad Ben Dixon sums it up perfectly:

These spaces also serve as a physical reminder that LinkedIn supports all aspects of our employees' lives. For Katie Clinch in Sydney, the impact was clear:

The bottom line? When workplaces show up for parents in meaningful ways, it fosters a culture of care, inclusion, belonging and loyalty. In fact, studies show that 90% of companies with family-friendly policies see higher retention rates and greater employee well-being.

A Call to Action: Make This a Priority

Here’s where leadership matters. Managers, Workplace Teams, and Leaders—you are in a unique position to create environments where parents feel truly supported, not just tolerated. Ask yourself: What does this look like in my company, my office, my team?

Research shows that companies with family-supportive policies enjoy 60% higher productivity. Parent’s Rooms are a simple but powerful way to show that you care about your team’s well-being—not just their work output. And when employees feel valued, they are more engaged, loyal, and motivated.

No parent should have to choose between breastfeeding their child and being present at work. It’s time for companies to step up and make these rooms not just functional, but spaces where parents can truly thrive.

How to Create a Parent’s Room That Truly Supports Your Employees

1. Check in Before They Return Don’t wait until new parents struggle—reach out before they return. Ask what they need to feel supported, whether it’s a private space to pump, flexible hours, or simply a calm space to decompress.
2. Prioritize Comfort Soft lighting, cozy chairs, and thoughtful touches like snacks make a huge difference. Comfort helps parents feel cared for as they balance the demands of work and home.
3. Make It Practical The room needs to be more than cozy. Essentials like fridges for storing milk, stocked changing stations, and microwaves ensure that parents can focus on their job without worrying about their baby’s needs.
4. Personalize the Space Corkboards for family photos or children’s drawings can make the room feel welcoming and help parents feel connected to both their work and home life.
5. Regularly Review and Update Keep checking in. Ensure the space evolves with parents’ needs. Their feedback is key to maintaining a room that continues to provide value.

More Than Just a Room

At LinkedIn, our Parent’s Rooms is just one of the ways we care for our people. They represent a commitment to inclusivity and the recognition that supporting parents requires more than just policies—it requires spaces where they can truly thrive.

Now it’s your turn. Leaders, managers, and workplace teams: Does your Parent’s Room support your people in the way they need? If you’re proud of your room, shout about it! If not, now is the time to make the change.

Start the Conversation: What Would You Change?

What’s one simple, meaningful change you’d make to your Parent’s Room? —Or if you don’t have one, what would you create from scratch? Let’s start the conversation!

#WorkingParents #InclusiveWorkplace #ParentSupport #WorkLifeBalance #SupportiveSpaces #EmployeeWellbeing #DoingItDifferently #LinkedInLife #ExpectIn #FamiliesAtLinkedIn